Anger is a natural, fundamental human emotion, and essential for our very survival. Humans are born with a combat instinct, which often kicks in when we experience anger. Anger helps us to express strong feelings, cope with situations, and protect our interests if expressed appropriately. However, if shown in an unhealthy manner, it can lead to interpersonal and health-related problems and can adversely affect the quality of life.
Anger swings into motion various psychological and physical responses. When directed outwards, anger causes physical destruction. But anger directed at oneself is unhealthy too and often manifests as passive-aggressive behaviour: giving someone the silent treatment, avoiding communication, becoming cynical and argumentative, resorting to playing the victim and several other defensive tactics. This unexpressed or ‘mal-expressed’ anger can cause further health problems.
Make sure you manage depression and other underlying problems as a cause of your anger
According to several studies, medical complications of anger which is not managed correctly, including suppressed anger, include high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, road accidents, public violence and other health-related issues like headaches and insomnia.
Assertiveness training is an enormously useful strategy for anger management. One has to identify the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness. Assertive people communicate clearly and logically; their thoughts are more streamlined and rational, they are better at socializing and have exceptional communication abilities. Dynamic individuals, on the other hand, may not be efficient in delivering their ideas because they are easily provoked and act in a hostile manner.
Easy Anger Management Tips
- Become aware of your feelings and expressions; awareness is the first step towards anger management
- Avoid stress to focus on things that are going well
- Don’t stay hungry for too long, eat healthy, well-balanced meals
- Exercise regularly, it helps tremendously
- Take up any sport to utilize your energy and pent up anger
- Take up a creative hobby to focus on positive things
- Engage in ‘feel good’ activities like social service and community service projects
- Take small vacations for relaxation of your mind and body
- Make sure you manage depression and other underlying problems as a cause of your anger
- Seek professional help if required
- Talk to people, your friends, family members and trusted figures of authority
- Talk about your issues, accept them and deal with them with the support of your loved ones
Taking inspiration from this, our goal should not be to never experience or suppress anger, because that is unhealthy and counter-productive, rather it should be to recognize the anger within us and express it appropriately by channelizing it in a positive direction.
